Jackson Gets Lit: Your Guide to The Mississippi Book Festival
If you were the kind of kid who was more interested in summer for your library’s annual reading challenge than for the days off from school, Jackson's Mississippi Book Festival is for you.
Bibliophiles’ favorite weekend is quickly approaching with the return of the Mississippi Book Festival on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 9 AM to 5 PM. The event is free and open to the public, featuring panel discussions with renowned authors, independent book signings, open-air booksellers in Author’s Alley, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and more. It’s a “Literary Lawn Party” you won’t want to shelve.
Location
All events will be inside or on the grounds of the Mississippi State Capitol building at 400 High Street. From I-55 take Exit 96B onto High Street and travel west — straight towards the State Capitol Building — and follow the orange festival signs to designated parking.
Booksellers, Vendors and Workshops
Across from the Book Signing Tent, nearly 20 bookstores from around Mississippi and the Southeast set up shop, offering a wide range of books, including special sales, autographed first editions, collectibles, and unique merchandise. And when hunger strikes, you won't have to venture far. Alongside the Capitol, some of Jackson's favorite restaurants and food trucks gather for sweet and savory food and drinks, ensuring you stay fueled for the day.
The 2026 Workshop Schedule features ten hands-on sessions running throughout festival day, from a morning yoga practice on the Capitol Lawn to fiction and poetry workshops led by authors like Steve Almond and C Liegh McInnis. Several kids-focused workshops are also included, such as a Curious George star-gazing craft and creative writing sessions for young and teen writers, most held in the Galloway Tween Room.
Information, Volunteers, & Official Merchandise
Festival Guides with maps are located at the information tent (where you’ll also find Visit Jackson answering questions and handing out giveaways), and 300+ volunteers (SIGN UP HERE) are easy to spot in themed shirts in case you have questions along the way.
View in the FESTIVAL SITE MAP.
Purchase exclusive 2026 Mississippi Book Festival water bottles, t-shirts, posters, and stickers at the merchandise tent.
Free bottled water is available at the merchandise tent and for purchase at some food trucks.
Food, Music and Families
Lunch break is from 1-1:30 pm. Food trucks flank both sides of the festival site, along N. West Street and N. President, offering local food choices. Grab'n'go cold foods can be found at the center of the festival, on N. Congress at Mississippi Street. There is NO ATM on site; most merchants accept credit cards, but NOT ALL so plan accordingly.
There will be food pavilions on both sides of the Capitol’s shady south lawn provide a great place to enjoy a picnic or to hang out with friends. Two cooling stations near the food pavilions on the south lawn provide a refreshing respite. Enjoy live music on the south lawn throughout the day.
The FAMILY FRIENDLY SCHEDULE packs the Kids Tent and Galloway Tween Room with events for young readers, including a Curious George 85th birthday party, a Llama Llama rap-along storytime, and hands-on workshops tied to picture books and the Mississippi state song. It also features a KidNote conversation with Kate McKinnon and the Mississippi Poetry Project, where student poets from across the state read their award-winning work.
Local Dining Specials
Sugar's Place
Brunch, 9 AM–2 PM
Mayflower Cafe: Book Fest Late Night
9–11 PM, walk-in only; Literary-themed cocktails, plus:
- Feta Brined Chicken on a Stick
- Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich
- Pulled Pork Loaded Potato
- Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Egg Roll
- Coconut Pie Wontons
Martin's Downtown*
- Bar 10 AM–2 AM; kitchen 11 AM–9 PM
- $2 off select appetizers
- $11 beer buckets
- $2 Bloody Marys and mimosas until 2 PM
Estelle Southern Table
7 AM–2 PM and 5–10 PM
Free cup of gumbo and cornbread with an entrée when you mention Book Fest
The Apothecary at Brent's Drugs*
Kitchen open late
Negroni Week specials:
- Coffee Boulevardier: Elijah Craig bourbon, coffee-infused Cocchi Dopo Teatro, Campari, $14
- The Bristow Is Dead: Bristow 4-year gin, Luxardo, Lillet, $20
- Smoking Gun: Mezcal, Cynar, amaretto, walnut bitters, $15
- Sneaky Tiki: Rum, Campari, dry vermouth, limoncello, $15
- Rose Tattoo: Cathead vodka, lychee, Cocchi Americano, $14
*Saturday specials unless noted. Martin's specials run all weekend. Apothecary's Negroni Week runs Sept. 21–27.
Free Parking, Security & Accessibility
FREE PARKING is available at eight designated parking lots and two garages plus along public streets.
Capitol Police will be on site and will patrol the designated festival parking lots. Expect security checkpoints at the entrances to the Capitol and Galloway venues.
The festival is committed to accessibility for this one-day event in and around the historic State Capitol Building. Some accommodations are in place, but certain areas may take extra effort to navigate. Attendees with specific accessibility needs are encouraged to contact festival organizers in advance at info@msbookfestival.com for help planning your visit.
Making a Weekend of Your MS Book Festival Experience?
The Saturday Book Festival is just one exciting part of planning your weekend: peruse hotel, restaurant, related event and additional literary enrichment opportunities.
For Schools
The Mississippi Book Festival extends its reach into classrooms year-round through Turn the Page, a young readers initiative that pairs students with authors and publishers from the festival's network. From creative writing exercises to composing original poems, the program gives Mississippi students hands-on ways to fall in love with reading.
Related Content:
Annual Literary Lawn Party, Now in September
400 High Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201
(769) 717-2648
Website
Mississippi Book Festival400 High Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201